Neal-Schuman Library Technology Companion Book

List of Figures and Tables ix

Preface xi

Acknowledgments xv

Part I Library Technology Basics

Chapter 0 What Folks in the Trenches Know That You Should Too 3

Library Technology Skills Survey 3

Demographics of the Respondents 4

The Most Common Technologies and Skills 5

The Most Common Wishes for Technologies and Self-development 7

What Can We Learn from the Survey? 8

Questions for Review 8

Selected Sources for Further Information 8

Chapter 1 The History of Information Technology in Libraries 11

Trends in Library Technologies 12

Ten Key Developments in Information Technology 12

What Are Libraries Using Today? 21

Questions for Review 22

Selected Sources for Further Information 22

Chapter 2 How to Find Information on Library Technologies 23

Reasons to Use Technology Information Sources 23

Types of Technology Information Sources 25

Selected Sources for Further Information 26

Moderation in All Things 37

Questions for Review 38

Chapter 3 Evaluating, Buying, and Implementing Technology 39

Know What You Need 39

Locate and Evaluate Technology Choices 41

The Purchasing Process 43

Buying Guides and Tips 44

Implementing the Technology 45

On to the Tools 47

Questions for Review 47

Selected Sources for Further Information 47

Part II Technology Tools for Libraries

Chapter 4 Computers in Libraries: Desktops, Laptops, Tablets, Handheld Devices, and Office Applications 51

Desktop Computer Essentials 51

How Computers Are Measured 53

Computer Software 54

Operating Systems 54

The History of Operating Systems 55

The Operation of Computers 56

Computer Peripherals 58

Minimum Standards for New Computers 60

Computers in Other Forms 62

Library Uses for Computers 66

Questions for Review 69

Selected Sources for Further Information 69

Chapter 5 Computer Networks in Libraries: The Internet, Modems, WiFi, and E-mail 71

What Do Networks Do? 71

Mainframes and Servers 72

Network Components 74

Network Operating Systems 74

Network Cards and Cabling 74

How Networks Work 75

LANs, WANs, Routers, and Gateways 76

Wireless Networks 77

How Does the Internet Relate to All of This? 78

How to Connect to the Internet as an Individual or a Small Library 80

How Do Modems Work? 81

Licensing and Patron Authentication 82

Questions for Review 83

Selected Sources for Further Information 83

Chapter 6 Whither the Library Catalog? Library Systems, Discovery Layers, and Open Source Options 85

Library Systems 85

What Is a Database? 86

Tools for the Trade 87

Library System Components 88

Dance of the Modules 92

Nonintegrated Modules 92

Benefits of Library Systems 93

Ten Questions to Ask Before Purchasing a System 94

Open Source Software 97

Where Do Library Systems Stand Today? 98

Questions for Review 102

Selected Sources for Further Information 102

Chapter 7 Storage Devices in Libraries: Paper, Microfilm, DVDs, MP3s, and Flash Drives: 105

Paper 105

Microformats 106

Compact Disc Technology 106

DVD Technology 107

Computer Memory Options 108

Videocassettes 111

Videodiscs (Laserdiscs) 111

Digital Cameras and Digital Video Cameras 112

Digital Video Collections 114

Digital Video Recorders 114

Audiocassettes 115

MP3 Files and Players 115

Scanning Technology 116

You Can Take It with You 118

Archival Issues 118

Dying Technologies? 121

Questions for Review 121

Selected Sources for Further Information 122

Chapter 8 Library Databases and Electronic Resources: Full-text Periodicals, E-books, and E-reference Collections 123

Availability of Electronic Resources 123

Electronic Access Issues 129

Advantages and Disadvantages of Electronic Library Resources 135

Questions for Review 137

Selected Sources for Further Information 138

Chapter 9 The Internet's Impact on Finding Information: A Is for Amazon, G Is for Google 139

The Internet 139

What Can You Do on the Internet? 141

Why Do Libraries Use the Internet? 144

Internet Issues in Libraries 146

Lessons from the Internet for Libraries 147

Questions for Review 152

Selected Sources for Further Information 152

Chapter 10 Web 2.0: Social Networking, Second Life, and Skype 155

Social Networking Tools 155

Mashups 157

Second Life 160

Skype 161

Wikipedia 162

Twitter 163

You Tube 164

Questions for Review 165

Selected Sources for Further Information 165

Part III How Libraries Put Technology to Work

Chapter 11 Meeting and Supporting Patron Technology Needs: Universal Design and Adaptive/Assistive Technology 169

Universal Design 169

The Digital Divide 170

Adaptive and Assistive Technology 172

Technology to Level the Field 172

Technology for Public Computers 173

Technologies for Other Services and Materials 174

Web and Interface Design Considerations 176

Suggested List of Adaptive Technology for a Library Computer 177

Questions for Review 177

Selected Sources for Further Information 177

Chapter 12 Library 2.0 and the Library: Virtual Reference, Blogs, and Usability 179

What Do Library Web Sites Offer? 179

Questions to Answer 183

The Tools Required for Web Site Design 184

General Guidelines for Interface Design 184

Questions for Review 186

Selected Sources for Further Information 186

Chapter 13 How Library Staff Learn and Teach: Screencasts, Distance Learning, and Course Management Systems 189

What Is Distance Learning and What Roles Does It Hold for Libraries? 189

Synchronous and Asynchronous Distance Learning Technologies 191

Course Management Systems 193

What Are Presentation Technologies and How Are They Used by Libraries? 194

Display Equipment 195

Media Items 195

Presentation Software 196

Screencasts 196

Questions for Review 196

Selected Sources for Further Information 197

Part IV Building and Maintaining the Technology Environment in Libraries

Chapter 14 Protecting Technology and Technology Users: Spam, Spyware, and Security Strips 201

Security Systems/RFID 201

Locks/Secure Locations 203

Limiting Functions 204

Electronic Security 205

Sample Secured Public Computer 208

Sample Secured DVD/Video Collection and Viewing Station 209

Questions for Review 210

Selected Sources for Further Information 210

Chapter 15 When Things Fall Apart: Troubleshooting Tips for Every Technology User 213

Troubleshooting Guidelines 213

Tips for Avoiding Problems 217

Questions for Review 219

Chapter 16 Building the Technology Environment: Ergonomics, Infrastructure, and Gaming 221

Physical Considerations 221

Gaming in the Library 226

Ergonomics: The Human Factor 228

Questions for Review 229

Selected Sources for Further Information 230

Part V Where Library Technology Is Going, and How to Get There

Chapter 17 Writing a Technology Plan 233

Technology Planning Steps 234

Questions for Review 237

Selected Sources for Further Information 237

Chapter 18 Our Technological Future: Ranganathan Meets Googlezon 239

New Challenges 239

Predicting the Future 240

Trends and Technologies to Watch 242

The Complex Library 245

Questions for Review 246

Selected Sources for Further Information 246

Glossary 249

Index 273

About the Author 279